When you think of classic comfort food — warm, creamy, hearty, nostalgic — Cozy Chicken Noodle Casserole is exactly what comes to mind. It has all the flavors of homestyle chicken noodle soup, but transformed into a creamy, bubbly, golden casserole that feeds the whole family with ease. Tender egg noodles, juicy chicken, a creamy sauce, and a buttery crispy topping come together in a dish that tastes just like home.

This casserole is the kind of meal families keep in their rotation for decades. It’s inexpensive, fills a baking dish beautifully, reheats like a dream, and brings warm comfort to the table on any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, feeding a crowd, or prepping meals ahead, this cozy chicken noodle casserole delivers every single time.

Why This Casserole Works So Well

1. Classic Comfort

All the flavors of chicken noodle soup — but creamier, heartier, and extra cozy.

2. Perfect for Busy Nights

Uses simple, familiar ingredients and is ready for the oven in minutes.

3. Creamy, Cheesy, But Still Light

Balanced sauce keeps it luscious without being too heavy.

4. Great for Leftovers

Rewarms beautifully and doesn’t dry out.

5. Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing

Nothing unusual — just pure comfort food.

Ingredients

Base

• 12 oz egg noodles
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup diced carrots (fresh or frozen)

Creamy Sauce

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Topping

• 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• Optional: parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spray or butter a 9×13 baking dish.

2. Cook the Noodles

1. Boil egg noodles until just al dente (they’ll cook more in the oven).
2. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In a large bowl whisk together cream of chicken soup, broth, sour cream, cheddar, and spices.
2. Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Combine Ingredients

1. Add shredded chicken, peas, and carrots into the sauce.
2. Fold in the cooked noodles gently so they don’t break.
3. Transfer mixture to the baking dish and spread evenly.

5. Add the Topping

1. Mix melted butter with breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs.
2. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

6. Bake

1. Bake 25–30 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

7. Serve

Let rest 5 minutes, then scoop generous portions. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Cozy Chicken Noodle Casserole

A warm and creamy casserole packed with tender egg noodles, shredded chicken, veggies, and a buttery crunchy topping. Perfect for a comforting family dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Base

• 12 oz egg noodles
• 3 cups shredded chicken cooked
• 1 cup peas frozen
• 1 cup carrots diced

Creamy Sauce

• 1 can cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Topping

• 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
• 3 tbsp butter melted

Equipment

• Large pot
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13 baking dish
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Boil egg noodles until just al dente, then drain.
3. Whisk cream of chicken soup, broth, sour cream, cheddar, and spices in a bowl.
4. Stir in shredded chicken, peas, and carrots.
5. Fold in noodles gently and transfer to baking dish.
6. Mix melted butter with breadcrumbs and sprinkle on top.
7. Bake 25–30 minutes until hot and golden.

Notes

Undercook noodles slightly so they don’t become mushy.

Tips for the Creamiest Chicken Noodle Casserole

Undercook the noodles

They absorb sauce while baking — keeps them from going mushy.

Use rotisserie chicken

Tender, flavorful, and saves time.

Try half sour cream / half Greek yogurt

If you want it a bit lighter.

Add extra cheese

Cheddar, mozzarella, or even Parmesan all work beautifully.

Use buttery crackers

Crushed Ritz or Club crackers add top-tier crunch.

Flavor Variations

Chicken Bacon Ranch

Add ½ cup bacon + 1 tbsp ranch seasoning.

Veggie Boost

Add broccoli florets, corn, or mushrooms.

Cheesy Deluxe

Double the cheese and add mozzarella.

Herb Lover’s

Add parsley, thyme, or Italian seasoning.

Spicy Version

Mix in red pepper flakes or a little hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Pairs perfectly with:

• Steamed broccoli
• Simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Garlic bread
• Dinner rolls

Leftovers also make a fantastic next-day lunch.

Why Casseroles Are the Ultimate Comfort Food

Casseroles are warm, filling, easy to share, and always bring a nostalgic feeling to the table. They stretch ingredients, feed large groups, and make meal planning simple. This chicken noodle casserole is exactly that kind of comforting, budget-friendly, family-centered recipe.